Quick answer
Copy ™ above. On Windows with a numeric keypad, use Alt + 0153. On a U.S. Mac keyboard, press Option + 2. In Word, type 2122 and press Alt + X.
Quick trademark-symbol methods
The trademark symbol is a compact “TM” glyph, usually drawn above the text baseline. It appears beside brand names, product names, slogans, and other claimed marks. Typing the actual character keeps spacing and copy/paste behavior consistent.
| Place | Fast method |
|---|---|
| Windows | Hold Alt, type 0153 on the numeric keypad, release Alt |
| Mac (U.S.) | Option + 2 |
| Word | Type 2122, then press Alt + X |
| Google Docs | Insert → Symbols → Special characters → search “trademark” |
| Web | ™ or the literal ™ character |
Type ™ on Windows
Turn Num Lock on. Hold the Alt key, enter 0153 using the numeric keypad, and release Alt. The numbers above the letters usually do not work because the classic Alt-code system reads keypad input.
If you use a compact keyboard, open Character Map from the Start menu or press Windows + . and browse the symbol panel. Copy and paste is often quicker for a mark you use only occasionally.
Type ™ on a Mac
On the standard U.S. Mac layout, press Option + 2. If the result is different, your current input source likely maps Option combinations differently. Open Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for “trademark,” and insert the displayed character.
For a name you type frequently, macOS text replacements can expand a memorable sequence such as ;tm into ™. Choose a trigger that will not appear in normal prose.
Insert ™ in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
In Word, type 2122 and immediately press Alt + X. Word converts the hexadecimal Unicode value to ™. Word may also turn (tm) into the symbol through AutoCorrect, depending on your settings.
In Google Docs, choose Insert → Symbols → Special characters and search for “trademark.” The same copied character works in Slides, Sheets, email, design tools, and social posts as long as the destination supports Unicode.
Trademark versus registered trademark
The symbols are not interchangeable. ™ generally signals a claimed trademark. ® is used for a registered mark, and using it without the relevant registration can be misleading or improper. This typing guide does not determine a mark’s legal status; confirm the correct symbol with the owner or qualified guidance.
The service mark ℠ is another related character. It is less common, but it can be used for services rather than goods in some contexts.
Use the trademark symbol on a website
UTF-8 pages can include ™ directly. The HTML named entity is ™, and the decimal reference is ™. Put the symbol in actual text rather than a background image so it remains selectable and available to assistive technology.
Avoid shrinking the mark until it becomes a speck. Most fonts already draw ™ at a raised, reduced size. If CSS adjustment is necessary, keep the character legible and test it at mobile sizes.
Placement and spacing
The symbol normally follows the protected name without a space: Example™. It may appear at the first or most prominent use rather than after every repetition, depending on the brand’s style and legal guidance. Consistency matters more than forcing the symbol into every line.
Troubleshooting strange output
If Alt + 0153 produces nothing, test in Notepad or Word, verify Num Lock, and use the separate keypad. If ™ displays as a blank square, switch from a decorative or old font to a modern text font. If it turns into ordinary “TM” during export, make sure the target file uses UTF-8.
References and compatibility
These platform references explain the input methods used above. Availability varies by app and keyboard layout; a Unicode value is not automatically a numeric-keypad Alt code.
Editorial note: Shortcuts can vary by keyboard layout and app. Check the stated platform and use the copy-and-paste fallback when needed. Report a correction with your device, layout, and application; see our editorial policy for limitations.